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Minerals play a crucial role in human health. Yet, even the healthiest minerals can become toxic in high amounts. In certain cases, any exposure to poisonous minerals can harm human health.
Asbestos, a mineral fiber that naturally occurs in rocks and soil, was widely used in the construction industry before the 1980s. Its durability and heat resistance make it desirable but can be toxic.
Despite some asbestos-containing materials still being legal in the US, experts widely agree they pose significant health hazards. Therefore, knowing how to check for asbestos is essential.
This guide will help you learn about asbestos, how to test your home for it, and where to find removal services to mitigate health risks.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos, a mineral once common in construction materials for homes, schools, and workplaces, is still found in several items, including:
- Vermiculite insulation
- Vinyl flooring
- Roofing and siding shingles
- Textured paint and patches
- Hot water pipes
- Furnaces and door gaskets
- Pipe and boiler insulation
- Plaster walls and ceilings
- Caulking and mastics
Additionally, you may encounter asbestos in heat-resistant fabrics and around your car’s clutch and brakes.
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure
When disturbed, asbestos fibers break down into microscopic particles and contaminate the air. Breathing these tiny particles can lead to health conditions like asbestosis and pleural disease, or increase the risk of cancer.
The risk of developing these conditions depends on the duration and intensity of exposure, pre-existing lung problems, or smoking habits. Unfortunately, the effects of extreme or prolonged exposure often take 10 to 40 years to appear.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis scars pulmonary tissue, eventually restricting the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This condition is more common in individuals exposed to high amounts of asbestos over extended periods.
Pleural Disease
Pleural disease affects the pleura, the membranes surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura to thicken or fluid to accumulate around the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties or reduced pulmonary function.
Cancer
Asbestos exposure is linked to cancers like lung cancer and mesothelioma, as well as cancers of the pharynx, stomach, colorectum, larynx, and ovary. While exposure does not directly cause these cancers, it increases the risk of developing them.
Can You Reverse Asbestos Exposure?
No, asbestos exposure cannot be reversed. Once fibers enter the lungs, they remain there. Therefore, the best strategy is to prevent exposure.
Preventing exposure involves checking for asbestos materials in your home. Additionally, you can reduce your risk by scheduling regular medical checkups and getting vaccinated against flu and pneumonia. If you smoke, quitting can also mitigate the negative effects of asbestos exposure.
When to Check for Asbestos
You can check for asbestos at any time. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing if you suspect your home contains asbestos materials that are damaged or undergoing renovation.
Asbestos is typically dangerous only when disturbed. Under normal conditions, asbestos fibers should not pose a significant risk, which is why most asbestos products are not banned. However, it’s wise to test homes built before the 1980s, as asbestos use was more prevalent.
Homeowners and investors should consider asbestos testing before selling or leasing property. This testing provides peace of mind for prospective buyers or renters and may increase property value.
How to Check for Asbestos
The safest way to protect yourself and your family from asbestos is to have suspect materials tested by a licensed asbestos testing company. At Pinpoint Property Services, we have extensive experience in testing for asbestos-containing materials. Our licensed professionals know how to search for and test potential asbestos hazards effectively.
Asbestos testing involves taking samples of suspected materials and analyzing them in a certified laboratory. Different materials require different sampling methods to ensure accuracy. Additionally, air sampling ensures the air you breathe is not contaminated with asbestos fibers.
Our meticulous testing identifies asbestos-free materials and existing hazards, preventing cross-contamination and making the air safer to breathe.
How to Remove Asbestos
Removing asbestos is a risky job that should only be performed by licensed and certified professionals like Pinpoint Property Services. We are OSHA, DOL, and EPA-certified and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Labor to perform asbestos abatement.
Our two-step process ensures safe removal and disposal:
- We prepare your home by sealing off the area with airtight plastic barriers and HEPA air-filtered air scrubbers, using wet abatement methods to reduce air contamination risk.
- After removing asbestos-containing materials, we encapsulate surfaces and clean the work area to eliminate debris. A 3rd party final test ensures the area is asbestos-free.
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Searching for ‘Asbestos Testing Near Me’?
Asbestos, found in construction materials, poses health risks. Learning how to check for and remove asbestos can keep you and your family safe.
Pinpoint Property Services, serving the Las Vegas area since 2009, is a top-rated company trusted by residential, commercial, and institutional customers.
Asbestos Testing Companies in Las Vegas:
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MSE Environmental
- Website
- Phone: (702) 255-2457
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Adaptive Environmental
- Website
- Phone: (702) 996-3189
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Wycoff Environmental
- Website
- Phone: (702) 979-9173
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